Chapter 228

The setting sun sank westward, half of the Tianshan's rolling peaks were shrouded in the afterglow, the sea of clouds surged, and the clouds flowed red.

Feng Yi sat on the summit of Miaomiao Peak, gazing afar at the gorgeous, dazzling scenery, but his mood was like the setting sun, unusually heavy. The pot of water wine he held had long been drunk dry.

Boundless Child

A fragrant breeze blew over, and A Zi spoke from behind him.

Li Autumn Water

A Zi said softly, "You said they were buried together, which is also a beautiful thing." As she spoke, she sat down beside Feng Yi.

Feng Yi turned his head and saw that in A Zi's clear, water-like big eyes, tears welled up, her expression very sorrowful,

Facing the lovely, spring-flower-like, exquisite and unparalleled jade beauty, Feng Yi involuntarily embraced her in his arms, thinking: "How could she know that in the original plot, Tong Lao and Li Qiu Shui still perished together, while Xu Zhu could not stop it, and I also could not change it; to me, that is failure. Saying that is merely forcing oneself to save face."

Then A Zi said, "Actually, I quite understand them. They loved Grandmaster Wu Ya Zi their whole lives; he is dead now. If they do not follow each other in death, then what they have persisted in all their lives is surely empty, and it would make us juniors a laughingstock!"

Orchid Sword

A Zi said, "This is true. If you die one day, I will certainly not live on alone; I will follow you in death."

Those faint words outweighed thousands of sentences of nostalgic confession. In Feng Yi's mind another thought arose: at bottom, the tragedy of Wu Ya Zi and his companions lay in their lack of devoted affection, their fickle chasing of novelty. Though I have not been fickle, in fact I am even more philandering than they.

And A Zi, like Tong Lao, is a person of devoted affection; from her original plot of gouging out her eyes and leaping off a cliff, there is no doubt.

Moreover, thinking of the four sisters Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum, they are even more naive than A Zi; in their original plot, their fate was to marry others as wives, which might not be worse than following me, a man who has today but no tomorrow.

I can suppress my lust for Huang Wan'er; why can't I suppress my thoughts of the four sisters Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum?

Could it be that the quadruplets are the reason I have never tried?

Spirit Vulture Palace

Seeing Feng Yi remain silent for a long time, A Zi pressed her flushed face tightly against his chest, her delicate body fully leaning into his embrace, and said, "You need not trouble yourself; Granny not only passed on to me her entire martial arts, but also transmitted the Eternal Everlasting Spring Skill to me.

She also said that as long as I killed Li Qiu Shui, she would pass on all her inner power to me. She only asked me to treat the four sisters Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum well, and absolutely not to harm them out of jealousy over love; I have long agreed.

Feng Yi saw that in her big eyes, tears rolled down her cheeks one after another, while the corners of her mouth revealed a faint smile; those crimson cherry lips, set against the snow‑white skin beside her mouth, were truly exceedingly beautiful.

This left Feng Yi feeling puzzled; he did not know why A Zi grew ever more bewitching—whether it was the effect of her cultivation method or the benefit of his own nurturing.

In that moment he secretly cursed himself for being shameless—without him, they would still be just as beautiful. He gave a wry smile and said, "As the saying goes, no gold is pure, no person is perfect. You and Granny may have many aspects in conduct that are not accepted by the masses and are criticized, but in your single‑minded devotion in love, you truly make others feel ashamed."

Kongdong Mountain

But Wu Ya Zi did not know whom he loved, yet he also ended up with the word "true"; however, someone once said I love everyone, yet it seems I love no one, loving only myself, and now I am coming to feel this more and more deeply.

South of the River

Feng Yi revealed a bitter smile and said, "A Zi, I have always told you not to hurt people lightly, but the number of people I have killed and those I have harmed exceeds the number of people you have seen in over a decade, so I think you little devil are a perfect match for me.

But sometimes I think, as a lecher, I am not worthy of you, for I lack even the courage your father had to die for the woman he loved.

Immortal Everlasting Spring Skill

Also we need to include Chang'an (glossary). So add:

Azi raised her delicate eyebrows, her starry eyes turned, and said: "You feel grateful to me in your heart, so you need not wrong yourself; if you just leave like that, Mei Lan Zhu Ju those few maidservants..."

Feng Yi cut her off, saying: "You needn't say more; if Elder Tong Lao were not dead, she would have Mei Lan Zhu Ju follow me, and I would be greatly pleased—I could take this as a reward and gladly accept it."

But since she is dead, I could not change anything; whoever came would meet the same result, and to receive her such favor again would make me feel unworthy.

If in the future you and they fare poorly, no matter which world I go to, I could never be at peace; leaving like this might be the best ending.

Azi lifted her face, looking at his solemn expression; though she did not know why he had such thoughts, she also felt these were sincere words from the heart, she blinked, and two lines of tears rolled down.

Feng Yi knew that during this period her tender heart was full of worry, and he naturally felt boundless pity for her. He seemed completely transformed, utterly gentle, wiping her tears dry, and said: "I have already told Elder Yu about the matters of the Spirit Vulture Palace; you must diligently train your martial arts from now on—only by becoming stronger yourself can you have the ultimate way to face any adversity."

Saying this, he gathered Azi in his arms and drifted away.

Mei Lan Zhu Ju stepped out from behind a rock, her expression somewhat sorrowful, eyes glistening with tears, she stared at the two until they could no longer be seen.

They knew Feng Yi knew they had come; his final words were meant for them sisters.

Mei Sword softly said: "The Venerable Master is not the bad person the sisters described."

Lan Sword nodded, her face streaked with tears, and smiled: "The men the granny and sisters have encountered were all bad, but the Venerable Master is not."

Zhu Sword sighed long: "But the Venerable Master left like this, and we do not know when he will return."

Ju Sword interjected: "Why don't we follow them?"

Mei Sword frowned slightly: "But the Venerable Master said we should diligently practice martial arts—how could we not obey?"

Zhu Sword said: "Sister Fu said those capable men all like women to obey their words."

The several girls fell silent for a moment,

Ju Sword however said: "But the granny said, women are by nature weak; in all things they should have their own..."

The sisters' eyes brightened.

……

Feng Yi knew the date of the Shaolin Temple Heroes' Convention was still far off; he and Azi descended from Tianshan, and they did not travel quickly.

All around were green waters and verdant grass, people and horses with camels and sheep, making one's spirits high; upon seeing the herdsmen, they did not forget to enjoy the unique whole‑sheep banquet and horse milk wine.

When about to depart, they again bought two sturdy camels from the herdsmen and then continued on their journey.

The two passed through gates and over mountains along the way, going through Jiayu Pass, Jincheng, and Chang'an; they never forgot to tour mountains and waters, not missing any famous Daoist peaks such as Kongtong Mountain and Zhongnan Mountain.

With Feng Yi accompanying her, Azi felt supremely happy; Feng Yi, meanwhile, in some places sought to recall memories of another world.

After all, Zhongnan Mountain is not exclusive to the Condor Heroes world.

Thus, reaching Henan should have taken only half a month, but Feng Yi and Azi actually walked for three full months.

As time passed, they both forgot their unhappiness, their feelings grew deeper, and Feng Yi's romantic fortunes along the way need not be mentioned.

That day they entered Henan and reached the foot of Song Mountain; gazing afar at the lofty peaks piercing the clouds, the divine and towering Song Mountain, Feng Yi could not help but sigh: "They say among the Five Great Mountains Song is the most exalted, its mighty aura overwhelms all others—indeed the reputation is not undeserved!"

Azi had never been to Song Mountain before; she laughed: "Hearing you say that makes one's heart yearn. However, everyone says the Shaolin Temple's fame spreads under heaven, the foremost in the martial world."

But why in the martial world are the names of Qiao Feng and Murong Fu the most renowned?

Are they really just empty reputations?

Can they defeat you, or surpass the martial arts of the Free and Easy Sect?

Feng Yi smiled and said, "The Shaolin Temple is ultimately a monastery of monks, not laypeople."

When discussing martial arts, Shaolin is good, the Carefree Sect is fine; in truth each has its own strengths—how could there be superiority or inferiority?

It's merely that the Shaolin Temple believes all martial arts under heaven originate from its own school, while the Carefree Sect believes itself to be invincible under heaven.

In reality, it's merely a matter of individual attainment.

As for whether I can defeat Shaolin, leaving some reserve brings an endless aftertaste to life's realm!

It is not yet the twelfth lunar month, and the time for the Heroes' Assembly is still early; at this moment, few people come to the foot of Song Mountain. The two found an inn, prepared to rest for the night, and would tour Shaoshi Mountain of Song Mountain the next day.

The next morning, after Feng Yi and A Zi had washed up and prepared to set out, they suddenly heard a knock at the door, and Feng Yi said, "Come in."

When the door opened, however, it was Xuannan, the chief monk of the Shaolin Dharma Hall.

Seeing A Zi, he neither dared to advance nor to retreat.

Feng Yi secretly sighed, "The Shaolin Temple really has connections: 'Master Xuannan, why have you come here?'"

Xuannan pressed his palms together and said, "Our abbot has learned of Hero Feng's arrival and has sent me to invite you up the mountain."

Feng Yi started and said, "Master, for you to personally welcome me, how can I possibly deserve such honor?"

Xuannan smiled and said, "You are more than worthy; if it weren't for your intervention, Master Xuantong and I would have already fallen into Ding Chunqiu's hands, and if Master Xuantong were not in closed-door meditation, he would have come with me."

Feng Yi laughed, "It was merely a trifle; Master, you are being too polite."

A Zi laughed, "Elder brother, since everyone has come to welcome us, let's simply go up the mountain now."

Feng Yi nodded and said, "Then please trouble Master."

Xuannan took his hand, smiling, "We have all been eagerly awaiting; what trouble is there?"

Feng Yi had no choice but to follow; after leaving the inn, eight Shaolin disciples stood on either side, and upon seeing Xuannan step out, they bowed to Feng Yi and A Zi and immediately led the way ahead.

"In this generation, the Shaolin Temple is a living bodhisattva to everyone; upon seeing Xuannan in his yellow robes, even if one does not recognize him, one knows his status is extraordinary, and all whisper privately."

"What manner of couple are they, that they deserve such a grand reception from the Shaolin Temple, resembling the scene of a wealthy family welcoming a bride with an eight‑person sedan chair?"

Feng Yi and his companions, all skilled in lightness techniques, soon saw the peaks of Shaoshi Mountain stretching continuously, the terrain towering, and the famed Shaolin Temple's buildings rising into the clouds, layered one upon another.

A Zi remarked, "This is indeed a great forest of a Buddhist temple!"

Feng Yi smiled, "Indeed, the Shaolin Temple is the ancestral seat of the Chan sect; how could it be comparable to a minor place?"

Before they even reached the temple gate, they saw more than twenty white‑bearded elders coming forward to greet them. Feng Yi arrived first at the foot of Song Mountain; upon receiving the news, Abbot Xuanci was quite surprised, and fortunately ordered Chief Monk Xuannan to descend the mountain to welcome them. He further led twenty‑five senior monks of the Xuán generation to personally greet them at the temple gate.

Feng Yi, too, was greatly surprised; the Shaolin Temple, renowned as a leader of the martial world, actually gave him such a grand reception—if this were to spread through the jianghu, his own martial reputation would be unmatched.

Amitabha!

A Zi then saw a monk clad in a red kasaya, his complexion ruddy and his stature tall, who pressed his palms together and said, "I failed to personally welcome the two of you; my apologies, my apologies!"

Feng Yi returned the salute with clasped hands and spoke loudly, "The Shaolin Temple is the ancestral seat of the Chan sect; all venerable masters are renowned in the martial world. For me and my humble wife to be granted an audience is already an immense honor—how could I dare trouble the venerable masters to greet us personally? I am truly ashamed!"

Feng Yi is young yet famous in the martial world, and having done favors for the Shaolin Temple, he naturally deserves such a reception; yet seeing his humility, the monks all grew even more fond of him.

Abbot Xuanci smiled and said, "Hero Feng subdued the Old Monster of the Xingxu sect, raised his prestige in the martial world, and rescued my two junior brothers Xuannan and Xuantong, as well as the other disciples under our care; our fellow monks are both grateful and admiring—how could we not welcome him?"

One Xuán‑generation elder monk said, "Although we have already been informed by Brothers Xuannan and Xuantong, hearing is not like seeing—Hero Feng truly possesses an extraordinary bearing and heroic demeanor!"

Feng Yi returned the salute and said, "Master, you overpraise me."

Abbot Xuanci gestured with his hand and said, "Please!"

Feng Yi glanced at A Zi; the Shaolin Temple does not usually receive female guests, and since she was dressed in women's attire, to spare the temple's face he produced a hat.

Let's book

But hearing Abbot Xuanci say, "The Diamond Sutra states, 'No self, no others, no sentient beings, no lifespan.' Benefactor, you need not cling to gender distinctions. Please!"

Without mentioning Feng Yi's fame, merely noting that he saved the lives of Xuannan and Xuantong would already merit the monks' reverence; bringing a lovely young woman into the temple is hardly anything.

Moreover, they explicitly stated that she is his wife; one cannot welcome one person and leave the other behind—doing so would defeat the purpose of the reception.

For that would not be selling favor, but breeding resentment.

The old monk, though he has no wife, also knows that no man would allow himself to lose face in front of the woman he loves.

Feng Yi slightly bowed and sighed, "It seems I have been overly concerned with appearances."

After entering the gate and arriving at the Mahavira Hall, everyone exchanged pleasantries, then took a vegetarian meal in the side hall.

They saw the eight precious vegetarian dishes, snow‑bud tea, square persimmon cakes, jade‑thickened porridge, noodle‑sugar cakes, and six‑harmony ginseng soup—everything one could wish for, clearly prepared with care.

After Feng Yi and A Zi took a few bites, they found it fresh, fragrant, and sweet—qualities combined—so much so that the Shaolin Temple probably could not afford such fare for everyone.

In the evening, someone led Feng Yi and A Zi to a meditation chamber to rest.

The furnishings in the room were much like those of the Lingjiu Palace, quite antique; there were bronze bells and iron stoves, also somewhat similar to the Lingjiu Palace's bronze cauldrons and pottery jars. In the hall hung a huge glazed lantern, its flame as large as a bowl's mouth, emitting variegated colors. On the altar stood a thick candle as thick as a child's arm; its flame rose more than half a foot, occasionally emitting a 'bie-bo' sound, and there was no other noise.

Feng Yi thought, "Given today's grandeur, tomorrow I'll visit the Sutra Pavilion under the pretext of observing the Dharma; if I see the old sweeper, I'll first probe his reality—then all will be well. Otherwise, if I challenge him and cannot prevail, that would be embarrassing."

While he pondered, A Zi was full of curiosity, opening the window, now scanning the surroundings, now listening for sounds, and said, "Isn't the Shaolin Temple home to hundreds of monks? How can it be so silent at night?"

Feng Yi smiled, "The Shaolin Temple is ultimately the ancestral seat of the Chan sect, with strict discipline."

A Zi pursed her lips and said, "Could it be that no unworthy disciple has ever come out?"

Feng Yi shook his head and said, "Your statement itself is wrong; from ancient times to the present, which sect has not had unworthy disciples?"

Compared to others, the Shaolin Temple has many monks yet produces few martial‑world miscreants—precisely because its discipline is stringent.

Just as in the mundane world, when someone says a certain place has good public order, does that mean there are no law‑breakers there?

A Zi let out an 'oh'.

Feng Yi smiled, "Here the air is pure; you happen to be cultivating divine power." A Zi immediately sat down to practice her cultivation.

The next morning, after Feng Yi and A Zi had finished breakfast, they suddenly heard the bell tolling loudly and continuously.

Master Xuannan came forward, saying he wished Feng Yi to act as a witness; Feng Yi was doubtful, but he brought A Zi and followed him to the Mahavira Hall.

There they saw two rows of hall‑guarding monks, their robes bright and distinct.

Upon entering, the hall was filled with intertwining incense and candles; a thousand monks had already taken their assigned positions.

The Mahavira Hall was unusually solemn; even the sound of breathing could be heard, clearly awaiting an extraordinary ceremony.

But when Feng Yi and A Zi entered the hall, there were many monks who were unaware of this, and they were utterly astonished that a woman had entered the Shaolin Temple — something never before heard of.

It turned out that the head of the Dharma Hall personally led them; although they did not know who these two were, they could tell the visitors were extraordinary, hence honored guests of the temple.

Feng Yi and A Zi were arranged by Xuan Nan to sit at the right-hand guest seats, after which Xuan Nan proceeded to the rear hall.

A Zi, who was lively by nature, was also daunted by this solemn spectacle and dared not speak.

Feng Yi was also wondering what the Shaolin Temple intended, when he heard the bell toll three times and all the monks in unison chanted the Buddha's name: 'Namo Shakyamuni Buddha!'

Abbot Xuan Ci, together with the eight senior monks of the Xuan generation, accompanied by another six monks, slowly emerged from the rear hall.

The monks in the hall all bowed in respect.

Those six monks wore attire different from that of the Shaolin Temple; upon seeing A Zi, they showed a hint of surprise.

Xuan Ci and the others began to pay homage to the Buddha statues in the hall; the six monks likewise joined in the worship, after which host and guest sat cross-legged on the mats.

Feng Yi recognized the eight senior Xuan-generation monks of Shaolin as Xuan Nan, Xuan Tong, Xuan Du, Xuan Ji, Xuan Zhi, Xuan Yin, Xuan Gou, and Xuan Shi, besides other Xuan-generation elders seated further down.

The other six monks sat on the left side, all of advanced age; the one in the foremost seat was about seventy years old, short in stature, with bright, piercing eyes that gave him an imposing presence whenever he looked about.

Abbot Xuan Ci's visage was solemn as he addressed the temple's monks: 'This is the abbot of Mount Qingliang Temple on Wutai Mountain, Venerable Shenshan; please greet him.'

Hearing this, the monks all shuddered and bowed to Venerable Shenshan.

Venerable Shenshan enjoyed tremendous renown in the martial world, being paired with Master Xuan Ci as the two arhats known as 'Subduing the Dragon' and 'Taming the Tiger'; it was said his martial prowess was roughly equal to that of Abbot Xuan Ci.

Only, the Qingliang Temple is smaller, its standing in the martial world far inferior to Shaolin's, so its reputation does not match that of Master Xuan Ci. Everyone thought: 'I've heard that Venerable Shenshan holds himself in high esteem, once said that monks who meddle in worldly martial affairs inevitably fall into lowly pursuits, and thus he has always avoided any dealings with our temple; today he comes in person, I wonder what great matter brings him.'

Looking over at Feng Yi and A Zi, both realized that the matter was of great importance.

Abbot Xuan Ci extended his hand toward the remaining five monks, introducing them one by one.

They turned out to be Master Guanshin of the Da Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng Prefecture, Master Daoching of the Pudu Temple in Jiangnan, Master Juexian of the Donglin Temple on Mount Lu, Master Rongzhi of the Jingying Temple in Chang'an, and Master Shenyin of the Qingliang Temple on Wutai Mountain — all disciples of Venerable Shenshan.

Masters Guanshin and the other three monks came from famous mountain monasteries, although the Da Xiangguo and Pudu Temples traditionally emphasize Buddhist teachings over martial arts; though these four are well known in the martial world, their status in their own temples is not high. The Shaolin monks bowed in respect. Masters Guanshin and the others rose and returned the salute with palms together.

Venerable Shenshan's long eyebrows twitched as he glanced askance at Feng Yi, speaking coldly: 'Sir donor, how should I address you?'

Though he was short in stature, his voice rang out surprisingly loud, startling the monks; yet he was neither raising his voice nor using inner power to shock them — it was simply natural, his tone high and ringing.

Abbot Xuan Ci said: 'This is Feng Yi, the great hero whose virtue and martial skill are esteemed in the jianghu; today he has come with his lady to our humble temple, and the venerable masters have traveled far — please greet them.'

The monks also knew that Xuan Nan and Xuan Tong had been saved by Feng Yi, and feeling deeply grateful, they all bowed in unison.

Feng Yi rose and returned the salute with clasped fists; A Zi could only follow her husband's lead.

'Feng Yi?' Venerable Shenshan raised his white brows, his expression one of surprise and doubt, then asked: 'Could you be the Feng Yi who slew the four evils of the world, the Star Sea Old Monster, and alone defeated the Great Wheel Ming King and the Gusu Murong?'

Feng Yi bowed his hands and said: 'I dare not accept such praise.'

Venerable Shenshan's body trembled slightly, then he nodded and smiled at Feng Yi, saying with palms together: 'Truly, my apologies for the discourtesy.'

Several of the visiting monks, having initially seen a woman appear in the Shaolin Temple and inwardly criticized the temple for lax discipline, upon hearing that the person was Feng Yi, all felt it was understandable.

To say that the most renowned name in today's martial world is no longer 'Northern Qiao Feng, Southern Murong', but rather Feng Yi, the great hero who slew the four evils, the Star Sea Old Monster, defeated the Great Wheel Ming King and Southern Murong, and rescued the Shaolin elders.

For him to bring his wife and yet be barred from entering the Shaolin Temple would be utterly ridiculous.

After all, even the greatest rules can never bind everyone.

Abbot Xuan Ci said: 'These six masters are all virtuous and eminent monks of the Buddhist faith; their simultaneous arrival today is a great honor for our temple, which is why I have summoned everyone to come out and meet them.'

I earnestly hope that the six masters will open a platform to expound the Dharma, glorify Buddhist principles, and that all the monks of the temple may together receive benefit.

Venerable Shenshan said: 'I dare not accept such praise!' He then continued: 'The solemn and magnificent Shaolin monastery has long been an object of my admiration; sixty years ago I came seeking ordination, but was turned away at the mountain gate. Now, sixty years later, the bricks and tiles remain the same, yet the people have changed — how lamentable, how lamentable!'

Abbot Xuan Ci said: 'As it turns out, elder brother once came to Shaolin to take the vows. All Buddhist monasteries are one family; elder brother now presides over Qingliang, and all of us Buddhist disciples naturally look up to him.'

Back then Shaolin dared not accept him, thus offending elder brother; I, the humble monk, have already offered my apologies. Yet because of that, elder brother went on to establish his own realm, spreading the Dharma widely, gaining great merit for Buddhism; those past events may even have been the cause of our present affinity.' Saying this, he placed his palms together and made a deep bow.

Venerable Shenshan returned the salute with palms together, saying: 'When I came to this precious monastery seeking ordination, I certainly admired Shaolin's centuries-long leadership of the martial world and the profundity of its martial arts; more importantly, I had heard that the Shaolin monastic code is exceptionally strict and its dealings equitable.'

Suddenly his eyes flipped open, light flashing forth as he looked up at the golden statue of the Buddha, and he said coldly: 'Who would have thought that the world is full of things whose names do not match their reality. Had I known this then, I would never have come to Shaolin.'

The more than thousand monks of Shaolin all changed color; although the Shaolin precepts have always been strict, and though everyone was furious, not a sound was heard.

"Hehe," A Zi laughed, "I said all this fuss was just you, old monk, looking for trouble with Shaolin — how interesting, how interesting."

This Mahavira Hall is a holy place enshrining all the Buddhas; added to Venerable Shenshan's overbearing demeanor, the atmosphere in the chamber ought to have been immensely solemn, yet she reduced it to 'interesting'.

This shows she is pure and lovely, innocent and guileless; the monks certainly could not take offense at her, and the earlier tense, ready-to-explode atmosphere was largely eased.

Venerable Shenshan, however, gave a cold face and said: 'Miss, this is a Buddhist holy place; you must not speak nonsense. Great Hero Feng Yi, please restrain her a little.'

Feng Yi replied lightly: 'Venerable sir, you are a venerable and eminent monk of Qingliang Temple, renowned throughout the world; please suppress your anger — I offer my apologies here.'

(End of chapter)